I wasn’t quite sure what to make of The Origin of Symmetry, Wesley T. Valenzuela’s solo exhibit at Art Informal.  A chat with the artist revealed that his intent had been to simply create balance and harmony among discordant pairs.  Hence, we are confronted with figures that combine Darth Vader and Buddha, man and machine, skulls and guns set in patterns that echo mandalas.  Indeed, as one enters the gallery, the show’s installation gives off an air of serenity and peacefulness:  the gallery’s pristine walls, freshly coated in white, set off the precisely placed pieces in red and black.

Wesley draws from his background in graphic design, a subject he teaches at Asia Pacific College concurrent to his involvement with the artist groups TutoK and Pilipinas Street Plan.  Influences from pop culture and a penchant for collecting toys and action figures come out in the processes he adopts for his work.  He has used silkscreens to create his patterns and images on canvas, while his sculptures have been fabricated from resin.

Wesley T. Valenzuela, The Origin of Symmetry runs from 20 July to 8 August 2011 at Art Informal, 277 Connecticut St., Greenhills East, Mandaluyong City.  Phone (632) 725-8518 or visit http://www.artinformal.com